Xoloitzcuintli

Xolos are perpetual puppies who need at least half an hour of exercise per day, more for larger, higher-energy dogs. Walking, easy runs, and romps in the yard will help meet this breed’s exercise requirements.

To keep boredom at bay, you’ll need to keep your Xoloitzcuintli engaged both mentally and physically. Bored Xolos may entertain themselves in ways you don’t find acceptable.

When given plenty of exercise and attention, the Xoloitzcuintli makes a lovable indoor companion, who can also adapt to apartment life. Xolos need to be near their people and they crave attention. They’re likely to curl up near—or on—whichever family member is available.

Plenty of chew toys will help prevent destructive chewing while indoors. 

They are sensitive to cold, will burn in the sun, and are likely to escape and wander. Though they’re thrilled to run and play while accompanied outside, Xolos are not meant to live outdoors. So sunscreen is necessary in sunny weather, and jackets and boots in cold weather. 

Fenced areas and leashed walks are musts. As long as they get enough exercise, these dogs are happy and adaptable. As long as you’re involved in the activity at hand, they will gladly participate.

Lack of hair, the Xolo are easy to get health conditions, such as skin irritation, missing teeth and acne. Not all Xoloitzcuintlis will get any or all of these diseases, but it’s important to be aware of them if you’re considering this breed.

In the summer, this dog is susceptible to sunburn, so he’ll need protection such as a shirt or sunscreen. In the winter, he’ll need protection from the cold – a sweater, jacket and boots will keep him warm.

The Xolo should not be overly bathed or rubbed with lotion, which will cause acne and other infections in the pores. 

Another interesting health fact about Xoloitzcuintlis is that the breed has fewer teeth than most other dogs – they are often missing their premolars and bicuspids.

As with all breeds, the Xolo’s ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste designed for dogs. 

There are several health tests considerations specific to the breed, such as hip evaluation, cardiac exam, ophthalmologist evaluation and patella evaluation. 

Responsible breeders test all breeding stock for conditions that can affect the breed. Regular visits to the vet for checkups and parasite control help to ensure the dog a long, healthy life.

Total Annual Cost: $2600.1

Cost is estimated for the first year and may vary depending on many factors, such as dog food, health care, leash, collar, licensing, possible fencing, crates, training and obedience classes, dog-walking, grooming, treats, toys, flea, tick, and heart-worm meds, microchips, etc.

With intelligence, it’s easy for your Xoloitzcuintli to catch onto lessons. This is a dog that needs to be trained throughout his life – they have a quench to learn! Basic obedience training may be met with goofy behaviors and refusal to cooperate.

Early socialization and puppy training classes are vital and help to ensure that the dog grows into a well-adjusted, well-mannered companion. Don’t let your Xolo take over the lessons, keep them interesting and engaging. Make training a family affair so that everyone knows how to properly handle and treat your Xolo.

Agility may be an energy-burning activity the Xolo enjoys. The legend of the Xolo’s healing powers may have some weight to it, because Xolos have a higher body temperature and are comforting to hold. They can be good candidates for therapy dog training.

Rewards and praise go a long way with Xolos, while negativity and yelling will get you nowhere. Housetraining may prove to be a challenge. Crate training will come in handy, as the Xoloitzcuintli likes a clean living space.

Xolos take their watchdog job seriously but are judicious barkers who only speak when they have something to say.